Other Opportunities: Infection Control Practitioner - IPAC Hub

VALUES AND COMMITMENT

At Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH), our core values of Integrity, Quality, Respect, Compassion and Teamwork are at the centre of who we are and what we do. We remain committed to sustaining an experienced workforce that reflects Northumberland Hills Hospital’s dedication to recognising everyone’s contributions and respecting everyone’s dignity, unique experience, and potential.

EQUITY AND ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

Northumberland Hills Hospital remains respectful of all protected rights, in line with the grounds laid out by the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we welcome applications from all qualified applicants and interests from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People of North America, women, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

We strive to make our entire hiring process as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants if needed. For any hiring related accommodation needs and/or requests please email us via careers@nhh.ca

LOCATION

Located approximately 100 kilometres east of Toronto, NHH is a vibrant community hospital delivering a broad range of acute, post-acute, outpatient and diagnostic services. Directly serving a growing population of more than 60,000 residents spread across a mix of urban and rural settings, NHH directly employs approximately 750 people and relies on the additional support provided by a highly engaged and supportive network of physicians, midwives and volunteers.

ROLE OVERVIEW

As an integral member of the IPAC Hub, the Infection Control Practitioner provides expertise, direction and support to local congregate long term care and retirement home settings to identify, prevent and manage infections to improve patient safety. In collaboration with the IPAC Hub Supervisor, the ICP is responsible for the effective operation of the IPAC Mini-Hub in Northumberland County.  Availability for on-call coverage and off-hours leadership support may also be required.   

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participates in the development of goals, operational strategies and deliverables for improving the coordination and access to infection prevention and control resources across the Central East region as supported by the IPAC Hub
• Provides infection prevention and control consultative advice and feedback to local congregate care settings 
• Completes on-site facility audits and reviews to support adherence to IPAC best practice guidelines and requirements
• Develops and delivers infection prevention and control education and training to local long-term care and retirement home settings which align with goals and objectives to meet commitment to quality and safety
• Reviews, analyses, and applies current scientific literature, regulations, standards, guidelines and directives to improve infection prevention and control and patient outcomes
• Participates in the development, communication and implementation of infection prevention procedures, current best practice guidelines and applicable standards
• Participates in specific projects that fulfill the IPAC Hub mandate, with support from the IPAC Hub Supervisor
• Other duties may be assigned based on current needs and as a part of risk mitigation strategy
• Participates in professional development activities internally and externally
• Serves as a leader, mentor and role model for the profession

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

• Undergraduate degree in health-related discipline (e.g. nursing, laboratory, epidemiology, and other allied health) or equivalent combination of education and experience required
• A minimum of 2 years of health care experience in an acute care setting
• Recent experience in a charge or leadership role is preferred
• Experience in Infection Prevention and Control is preferred
• Completion of a comprehensive Infection Prevention and Control course and/or current registration with the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology is preferred
• Demonstrates knowledge and experience in areas of infectious diseases, microbiology, epidemiology, statistics, asepsis, disinfection/sterilization, risk assessment in construction/renovation
• Sound understanding of diseases and disease process/transmission
• Ability to reference and interpret current guidelines, directives, standards and related legislation
• Knowledge of the principles and practice of adult learning/teaching and program design
• Demonstrated skill in teaching and strong written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability in interpersonal communication, diplomacy, coaching, facilitation, critical thinking, problem solving and team building skills
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of hospital information systems
• Proficiency in the use of computer databases, spreadsheets, MS office, internet applications and literature search
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment
• Demonstrated ability to lead clinical & non-clinical teams to manage complex situations
• Demonstrated ability to assess and respond to critical situations
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm, focused and non-judgmental at all times and especially during conflict resolution or a crisis situation
• Motivated, self-started, and self-directed
• Well-organized and detail-oriented
• Demonstrated ability to promote and manage change
• Respects and maintains patient rights including privacy and confidentiality, and facilitates a positive patient experience
• Able to handle high workload volume and pace with multiple demands at a time
• Excellent attendance record
• Ability to travel, as required for the position

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Successful applicants are required provide a satisfactory vulnerable sector criminal reference check, that was complete less than one year from the date of hire. This requirement must be met within the first sixty (60) days of employment.

Additionally, to the above, successful applicants are also required to complete the Health Care Worker Health review process which includes providing an up-to-date immunization record to ensure compliance with the Ontario Hospital Association Communicable Diseases Surveillance Protocols within the first thirty (30) days of employment. Northumberland Hills Hospital operates a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for all staff.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, Northumberland Hills Hospital may choose to conduct parts/all the hiring process virtually. The successful incumbent should expect the role to be in person however a hybrid working arrangement may also be considered subject to operational needs. Furthermore, we are a scent-free environment.  When attending the hospital kindly refrain from wearing strongly scented fragrances.

Please apply to careers@nhh.ca

While we thank all those that express interest in this exciting position; kindly note that due to high volumes of interests, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.